Prolific and other Priority Offenders (PPO)

Research shows that 10% of offenders are responsible for 50% of recorded
crimes. These offenders need extra help and support if they are to stop
offending.

The Prolific and other Priority Offenders scheme (PPO) is a partnership
between probation, police, local councils and other community
organisations. It targets these most prolific offenders. And it works.
There has been a 62% reduction in arrests amongst offenders involved
with PPO over a two year period.

Which offenders are targeted

Offenders are identified for PPO because of their previous criminal
record. Many have a long history of offending, with 30 or 40
convictions. They must have at least 6 convictions in the last 12
months. The type of offences is prioritised for seriousness, and schemes
can focus on local priorities, such as burglary.

PPO supervision and support

Offenders are supervised by a team which includes a probation officer
and a police officer.

When offenders first come onto a PPO scheme, their lifestyle is often
very chaotic. So we visit them at home. At first the offender needs a
lot of support and contact time, and we will see them four times a week.
Work starts by tackling the most immediate issues. This might include
helping offenders with:

Access to drug treatment.

Help in finding suitable accommodation.

Making sure they are claiming the benefits they are entitled to
(sometimes this provides them with a legitimate income for the first
time).

Help with any personal issues which might be contributing to their
offending.

Sometimes the offenders have previously struggled to access help even
when it is available. So PPO officers go with them to their appointments
for the first few weeks. This helps them to overcome any barriers and
start working on their problems.

Moving forward

After a while of being on the scheme, offenders will usually become more
stable. Then it is possible for other work to begin. This can include
other requirements of their community order, education and training
schemes or additional drugs or alcohol treatment. Many local housing
providers will also support offenders in maintaining their tenancies.

PPO is tough and it takes time. Often there will be short spells of
progress followed by a lapse. This is often associated with drug abuse
and offending. When this happens, offenders are fast tracked back to
court.

PPO looks to build on the periods of success so that with time
offenders’ lapses become less frequent and less serious.

As the community order comes to an end, the team will help offenders
access other local support services on a voluntary basis. This helps
them to make strong local contacts so they can continue in their new
lifestyle and not reoffend.